After impressing through the group stage - peaking with a superb performance against the fancied Italians - Mexico were unable to reproduce the crisp passing and composed finishing that had caught the eye.

Mexico, favourites going into the match, enjoyed the majority of the possession in the opening stages - but after absorbing early pressure the USA scored with their first attack of the game.

But the USA always seemed a threat on the break and doubled their lead on 65 minutes.

Eddie Lewis broke down the left-hand side, got behind his opposing full-back and whipped a dangerous cross into the box, which Donovan - bursting forward form midfield - headed home.

Having scored a second goal, USA might have improved on their lead against an increasingly ragged Mexico.

John O'Brien shot narrowly over, Earnie Stewart had a header saved and Donovan blazed over from short range, while Mexico could muster little except for a shot from Salvador Carmona, which Friedel saved.

And - with defeat inevitable - Rafael Marquez was awarded a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on USA substitute Coby Jones.